Retrospective evaluation of sternal precautions protocol for the patients with coronary artery bypass grafting

The purpose of the study is to 1] evaluate the literature and current trends for sternal precautions. 2] Formulate an evidence based sternal protocol for 'X' hospital 3] Assessing the impact of the protocol on sternal dehiscence and infection rates in 'X' hospital. the objective of the study is to review the current literature on the use of sternal precautions by physiotherapist in the treatment of patient after a CABG surgery and also to compare the sternal infection rate post CABG after implementing sternal precaution protocol in 'X' hospital. Hospital records and post discharge surveillance data from the HR of the 'X' hospital on rate of dehiscence and infection for 207 patients who underwent CABG procedures from 2010 through 2012 were reviewed, which gave an idea about the efficacy of the sternal precautions protocol used in this hospital. Literature review was done to find out about the current trends on sternal precaution protocol. This study includes 207 participants, median age was 55 years 37% of them were having DM and 63% were NDM. Data collected from 2010 to 2012 was reviewed and the rate of infection was 1.45% and rate of sternal dehiscence was not specifically collected, but from a case report only 2 cases were reported 1 male and 1 female both were having poorly controlled diabetic levels and high BMI. Our study showed that the sterna precautions protocol did not contribute to an increase in the rate of infection. Our protocol was not overly restrictive and was well managed by patients

Effect of combined manual therapy techniques with modalities on pain and discomfort of patents with fibromyalgia syndrome

This study aimed at finding out the combined effect of manual therapy and physiotherapeutic interventions on pain and discomfort in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. A general musculoskeletal assessment [SOAP] was used for all patients who were referred to the physiotherapy department with the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire [FIQ] was used to assess the pre- and post-intervention measures of pain and discomfort of four Emirati women who participated in this study. The patients who underwent combination of manual therapy techniques with electrotherapy modalities such as TENS, hydrocollatral therapy and ultrasound therapy showed significant difference in pre- and post-intervention measures of FIQ [62.5 and 35.5] compared to those who underwent electrotherapy modality treatment alone [67.4 and 46.5]. The pre- and post-intervention visual analog scale [VAS] showed significant improvement in pain reduction from 8.5 to 2 in patients who underwent combined treatment compared to modality alone from 8 to 3.5. This study concluded that the combination of manual therapy techniques with modalities has greater effect in reducing pain and improving functions compared to other forms of physiotherapeutic in the management of patients with fibromyalgia

Computer use and vision-related problems amongst students in Ajman, UAE

The extensive use of computers as medium of teaching and learning in Universities necessitates introspection into the extent of computer-related health disorders amongst the student population. There are no documented studies done in this regard in Ajman. This study was undertaken to assess the pattern of computer usage and related visual problems, among University students in Ajman, UAE. A total of 500 Students studying in Gulf Medical University, Ajman and Ajman University of Science and Technology were approached for the study. A pretested and content-validated self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Demographic characteristics, pattern of usage of computers and associated visual symptoms were recorded in the questionnaire. 471 questionnaires were returned and analyzed. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between the variables. The crude Odds Ratio [OR] was determined using simple binary logistic regression and adjusted OR was calculated using multiple logistic regressions. The most common vision-related problems reported among computer users were headache, burning sensation in the eyes and dry/tired/sore eyes, with 53.3%, 54.8% and 48% of students reporting the same respectively. Female students were found to be at a higher risk. A significantly higher proportion of respondents [60%] employing a viewing distance of less than 50 cm complained of headache. The incidence of headache [51.7%], dry eyes [34.5%] and burning sensation [44.8] was lower when screen filters were used. Sustained periods of close screen work without screen filters were found to be associated with occurrence of the symptoms and decreased productivity of the students. More attention needs to be given in an attempt to reduce the impact of computer-related vision problems and the interruptions in work

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders [WMSD] in hospital nurses: prevalence and coping strategies

This study aims to determine the prevalence of WMSDs and coping strategies towards reducing the risk for development of WMSDs. It attempts to identify the magnitude and characteristics of WMSDs and the perceived work-related ergonomic risk factors associated with nursing job responsibilities among hospital nurses. A pre-approved self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 200 nurses in the GMC hospital, Ajman. 147 completed and returned, with 74% response rate. 12 questionnaires were excluded because of incomplete data. Approximately 39% of the nurses have had WMSDs at least once during the working period. The 12-month period and point prevalence rate of WMSDs in any part of body was 38%. WMSDs occurred mostly in low back [29.0%], ankle [20.0%], shoulder [14.8%] and knees [13.3%]. 35.5% treated themselves or had visited other health practitioners for care. Working in awkward and cramped positions [54.1%], working in the same positions for long periods [51.1%] and lifting or transferring dependent patients [41.4%] were the job-related factors most perceived as risks for WMSDs. The top three coping strategies suggested were modifying patient's /nurses position [58.5%], modifying nursing procedures to avoid re-injury [45.9%], and adjusting plinth/bed height to change the posture [45.1%]. The prevalence of WMSDs among hospital nurses was nearly 40%, and over 50% were at risk of developing WMSDs. The low back and the ankle joint were the most common sites of the disorder. Education programs on the prevention and coping strategies for WMSDs are recommended for the nurses in order to promote efficiency in patient care

Computer use and vision-related problems amongst students in Ajman, UAE

Objective: The extensive use of computers as medium of teaching and learning in Universities necessitates introspection into the extent of computer-related health disorders amongst the student population. There are no documented studies done in this regard in Ajman. This study was undertaken to assess the pattern of computer usage and related visual problems, among University students in Ajman, UAE

Materials and Methods: A total of 500 Students studying in Gulf Medical University, Ajman and Ajman University of Science and Technology were approached for the study. A pretested and content-validated self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Demographic characteristics, pattern of usage of computers and associated visual symptoms were recorded in the questionnaire. 471 questionnaires were returned and analyzed. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between the variables. The crude Odds Ratio [OR] was determined using simple binary logistic regression and adjusted OR was calculated using multiple logistic regressions

Results: The most common vision-related problems reported among computer users were headache, burning sensation in the eyes and dry/tired/sore eyes, with 53.3%, 54.8% and 48% of students reporting the same respectively. Female students were found to be at a higher risk. A significantly higher proportion of respondents [60%] employing a viewing distance of less than 50 cm complained of headache. The incidence of headache [51.7%], dry eyes [34.5%] and burning sensation [44.8] was lower when screen filters were used

Conclusion: Sustained periods of close screen work without screen filters were found to be associated with occurrence of the symptoms and decreased productivity of the students. More attention needs to be given in an attempt to reduce the impact of computer-related vision problems and the interruptions in work

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders [WMSD] in hospital nurses: Prevalence and coping strategies

Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of WMSDs and coping strategies towards reducing the risk for development of WMSDs. It attempts to identify the magnitude and characteristics of WMSDs and the perceived work-related ergonomic risk factors associated with nursing job responsibilities among hospital nurses

Materials and Methods: A pre-approved self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 200 nurses in the GMC hospital, Ajman. 147 completed and returned, with 74% response rate. 12 questionnaires were excluded because of incomplete data

Results: Approximately 39% of the nurses have had WMSDs at least once during the working period. The 12-month period and point prevalence rate of WMSDs in any part of body was 38%. WMSDs occurred mostly in low back [29.0%], ankle [20.0%], shoulder [14.8%] and knees [13.3%]. 35.5% treated themselves or had visited other health practitioners for care

Working in awkward and cramped positions [54.1%], working in the same positions for long periods [51.1%], and lifting or transferring dependent patients [41.4%] were the job-related factors most perceived as risks for WMSDs. The top three coping strategies suggested were modifying patient's /nurses position [58.5%], modifying nursing procedures to avoid re-injury [45.9%], and adjusting plinth/bed height to change the posture [45.1%]

Conclusion: The prevalence of WMSDs among hospital nurses was nearly 40%, and over 50% were at risk of developing WMSDs. The low back and the ankle joint were the most common sites of the disorder. Education programs on the prevention and coping strategies for WMSDs are recommended for the nurses in order to promote efficiency in patient care